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Skorpion sub-machine guns were among the weapons seized by the police

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More than 20 AK-47-style assault rifles were also in the haul

Judge Michael Topolski QC told Shilling: "I'm entirely satisfied the truth is you were the man in charge of this carefully planned, well-funded and sophisticated organisation."

He went on to say that this "dangerous young man" had been motivated by a desire to "maintain, protect and expand" his drug business.

Michael Defraine, 30, from Bexleyheath, south-east London, was also found guilty of gun smuggling and possessing firearms with intent to endanger life. He was given 27 years in jail, plus five years on extended licence.

Shilling and Defraine were part of a gang that brought the weapons on a boat from France to Kent last August.

National Crime Agency (NCA) detectives had them under surveillance and made what they say was the largest-ever weapons seizure on the UK mainland.